Learn how to sew this adorable handbag with front ruffles. This step by step tutorial includes all the prices you will need to cut and how to assemble it so you can also end up with a version of this adorable handmade purse.
I know I teased a lot with this tutorial, I took the pictures the week I moved this little blog to WordPress, and since it was not as smooth as I wish it would be, I almost forgot I had it, until just a few weeks back.
And finally today I have time to write this tutorial and hopefully, you'll get a chance to make your own ruffles handbag!
This is my first bag tutorial and I thought it would be nice to have a lot of steps, so you are warned, there are TONS of pictures :) maybe that's why it took me so long hehe
The Materials
- Interfacing
- Main/outside fabric
- Liner/inside fabric
- Satin for the ruffles and closure
- A set of magnetic snaps
- A candle to burn the edge of the satin
- Iron for the interfacing
The Parts:
Since there' so many simple cuts, instead of making a pattern, I am sharing the shapes that you need to cut, but don't worry! All, except one are rectangles!
- 2 pieces of 16×11 inches of main/outer fabric – I used home decor weight fabric for a better shape bag (pink, green, brown stripes)
- 2 pieces of 16×11 inches of liner/inner fabric – I use a pink canvas
- 2 pieces of 16×11 inches or bigger of lightweight interfacing – I use Pellon 808
- 3 pieces of 7×3 inches, one of main/outer fabric, one of satin or the ruffle's fabric and one of interfacing – for the closure
- 3 pieces of 2.5×24 inches, 2 of main/outer fabric and one of interfacing – for the strap
- 3 pieces of 5×7 inches of liner/inner fabric and one of interfacing – for central pocket
- 3 pieces of 5×10 inches, 2 of liner/inner fabric and one of interfacing – for double pockets
- 2 pieces of satin (I used brown) of the following shape for the ruffles:
The Process:
Now that you have all the pieces, let's get to sewing!
1 – Cut all your pieces according to the part's list and press interfacing to the back of both main/outside parts, one of the pieces for the strap, one of the pieces for the central pocket, and one of the pieces for the double pocket.
2 – Cut your ruffles and burn carefully all edges with the candle.
3 – Once all edges are ready, with a matching thread and your machine set up at the longest possible stitch sew a line about an inch away from the edge.
4 – Remember to leave a long piece of treat before and after sewing, because you will pull in one of them to make the ruffle.
5 – Pull one of the treats at the beginning and even it out to have a cute ruffle.
6 – Mark with a pin in the middle top and bottom of your main/outside piece (remember you had to already attach the interfacing at this point) and you will be marking the longer side.
7 – Now place the bottom of your ruffle in the center mark of your outside piece.
8 – Arrange the ruffle until it fits the length of your main/outside piece, pin the center so it doesn't move because you will need to sew on top of the line you sewed to make the ruffles.
9 – Now sew a second line right next to the first one, I sewed it 1/4 inch away.
10 – Repeat from step number 3 with your other main/outside piece and ruffle. Once both pieces are done place them facing each other and pin the outside.
11 – Now sew 1/2 and inch away from the edge all the way around your bag, leaving the top open.
12 – Press your seems and the corners, you will need that to mark and sew the bottom.
13 – Mark the bottom of your bag. I measure approx an inch away from the tip and made sure the length of the mark was 2.5 inches.
14 – After that sew the marks on both sides. It will look something like this.
15 – Now measure 3inches from the top on the inside of the front side, Make a mark so you can fit your magnetic snap.
16 – Make both cuts.
17 – Push the snap from the front and secure it on the back.
18 – Before securing the back make sure your snap is visible and not covered by the ruffles.
19 – Now for the closure, you have both pieces and the satin has the interfacing in the back. I just drew a symmetrical curve on one of the edges for the snap.
20 – To add more body and strength add a little piece of interfacing where you want your snap to be, I centered at the top of the piece. just make sure you have enough room because you will need to sew and then turn inside out.
21 – Cut the interfacing excess and place the other side of the snap.
22 – Place both pieces with the fronts facing each other and sew all the way around leaving the bottom open.
23 – Turn inside out
24 – with a matching treat sew all the way around to secure it.
25 – For the strap. Place both fabrics with the fronts facing each other and sew on one side.
26 – Press the seam and fold the strap with the fronts facing out. Press the edges to the inside.
27 – Here you can see how I pressed the edges to the inside.
28 – Finally sew on top of both edges to secure it.
29 – For the main pocket, you can add a label if you want, remember that one of the sides has interfacing in the back.
30 – place both pieces facing each other and sew all the way around leaving the bottom open and cut the edges to have a better corner.
31 – Turn inside out and press, press a fold in the bottom.
32 – Repeat from step number 29 with the double pocket pieces.
33 – Place one of the liner/inside pieces and center the main pocket.
34 – Sew it together, I like the look of the contrasting treat so I sewed it double reinforcing the top edges.
35 – Repeat step 33 with the double pockets and sew them as you like. I like to sew them double. Always remember to reinforce the top edges.
36 – Place both liner/inside pieces facing each other and sew the sides leaving at least 6 inches open in the bottom, to turn the bag inside out later.
37 – Secure the edges, I like to use a zig-zag stitch. Repeat step 13 in the bottom of both sides.
38 – Now place the closure with the top facing inside and pin it to the opposite ruffle's side.
39 – Pin the strap to the center of the sides.
40 – and make sure everything is on the inside.
41 – The pockets have to be facing in. pin all the way around the top to secure everything and sew around.
42 – Extend and you will have this.
43 – In the inside fold 1/2 an inch away from the strap (you can't see it in the picture because the strap is in the inside, but you can feel it and mark to measure.)
44 – Sew a 4 inches long line, 2″ below the center.
45 – Sew 4 sides.
47 – Turn the bag inside out through the open in the bottom of the liner/inside.
48 – You will end up with this.
49 – Push the liner piece to the inside and sew all the way around the top.
YOU are DONE!
I also made this other bag changing the measurements of the main pieces, making it a little bit longer and smaller.
I used a different color fabric and I am so in love with them!
You can make it just as big or small you want.
* This tutorial is provided for personal, use only. If you wish to sell items made with this tutorial please purchase a limited production license.
Check the Site policy at the bottom for further information, Thank you!
MissMary
Tuesday 2nd of July 2013
You are a gifted designer. I like both of your bags big bunches!
Thank you for all of your hard work and for sharing it with us!
issMary
Patricia
Saturday 3rd of November 2012
Thanks for sharing this instruction with us! Its beautiful! I have made my first quilt and would like to try sewing this.
becky derry
Friday 5th of October 2012
Thank -you for the tutorial.I just discoved your site today sure am glad I did and look forward to recieving your e-mails Thanks
Nikell
Friday 5th of October 2012
This is a really pretty bag! I'll have to try this one out. Thanks so much for sharing (^_^)
Cherie
Friday 5th of October 2012
This looks simple to make. I make my own bags so I will add a couple of zippered compartments on the inside and one on the back panel for cell phone. In fact I think I'll also make an overnighter and large shopper like this too! I love the ruffle in the front and it's a great twist on a bag ! thanks!